European Council extends trade liberalization between EU and Moldova by one year

Chisinau, May 13 /MOLDPRES/ - The European Council has extended for another year the trade liberalisation between the European Union and the Republic of Moldova. Thus, Moldovan producers will be able to export table grapes, tomatoes, garlic, apples, cherries, plums and grape juice to the European market without duties and restrictions.

Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitisation Dumitru Alaiba welcomed the decision saying that the extension of trade liberalisation is a significant opportunity for Moldovan entrepreneurs, giving them the opportunity to develop businesses and promote products on the European market.

From 2021 to 2023, Moldova's exports to the EU have increased significantly. Exports of grapes increased from 15.8 thousand tons to 32.3 thousand tons; fresh apples - from 1.0 thousand tons to 13.2 thousand tons; plums - from 25.8 thousand tons to 60.4 thousand tons; cherries - from 74 tons to 2.9 thousand tons.

Moreover, for some products, exports exceed the quotas. Thus, exports of grapes have exceeded the quotas by 62%, plums have seen an impressive increase of 300%, and cherries exceeded quotas by 93%.

The trade liberalisation measures will enter into force on 25 July 2024, when the current liberalisation measures will expire.